As I drove up to my friends house to drop my daughter off at a Birthday party, I heard the cue to call in. My favorite radio station was giving away a trip to Mexico everyday for 30 days!

I didn’t want my daughter to be late, so I quickly unbuckled her from her car seat, and walked up to the house with her, dialing and redialing the whole way. As I approached the house, a group of the Dads were outside chatting. I told one of the Dads to get inside and call in – SOMEBODY was going to win a trip to Mexico right now! He took a second and then replied “I have better things to do with my life than call a stupid radio station.”

I was rather insulted by his comment. After all I was calling the radio station as we had this conversation – what was he trying to say – I am wasting my life away?! I continued into the house, smiled and said “well, enjoy standing there.”

Another nasty remark

Another time my Aunt was asking me about what I have won – I was on a hot streak – so I had lots to tell her about. I was excitedly telling her my most recent list of wins, when my Uncle interrupted me, and in the most condescending tone said “You must spend A LOT of time on the computer.”– complete with an eye roll that rivals the ones I used to give my parents when I was 16.

Again I was insulted. What was that supposed to mean? No I don’t think I do spend a lot of time on the computer. I spend a lot of time with my daughter, I spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning, but this is my hobby. My glorious hobby that doesn’t cost me a penny – and pays well! How dare these jerks speak poorly of my wonderful hobby?

Green with Envy

On my way home that evening, I was still mad. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Then it dawned on me… he is not a jerk, he was envious. It is only natural for someone to lash out when they are feeling this nasty emotion we all have from time to time. Of course he would like a free T.V. or maybe he would rather cold hard cash – free of work. Maybe as I sat there sharing my latest wins, he was thinking about how many hours he has to work at his job to pay for a T.V. like that?

I wasn’t mad anymore. It got me thinking though – do I come off as a bragging brat? I certainly don’t want anyone to feel bad. I would like everyone to win awesome stuff! It feels good to win, it improves the quality of our lives – I think everyone should enter and win.

Why don’t these people just enter contests?

I believe that everyone in the world enjoys getting something of value, for little or no work. (Not to replace the feeling of accomplishment that ONLY hard work can give.) But just a nice little present every now and again. When your friends and acquaintances hear about your wins, they too might be bitten by the ENVY bug… here are a few tips on how you can help them feel good about themselves – and maybe a little excited for you!

TIP #1 Direct them to the Contest Mob! We can turn a novice into a professional Sweepstaker – FAST!TIP #2Tell them about how YOU got started – it may motivate them to enter a few contests themselves.TIP #3 Make jokes – even if you have to poke fun at yourself a little. It wont hurt!TIP #4 Offer to teach them what you know. If they are willing to learn, that’s great… If not you can always remind them of your offer if they act envious again.

I don’t think anyone should skip sharing good news to spare someones feelings. A true friend is genuinely happy to hear of your good news, and winning something fabulous is definitely good news. If you have a friend that is constantly being negative about your hobby – I say break up with them!

…..well maybe you could send a little postcard to say hi from Mexico 😉

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Amy is a devoted wife, and a Proud Mommy of a 2 year old girl. She enjoys entertaining in her home, playing with her little girl, shopping, and most of all she loves to win contests!
During the final, swollen ankles, big as a whale month of her pregnancy, She discovered how people were winning prizes from the internet. She signed up for a few- and a few weeks later, won a $250 Visa gift card.
This was the very beginning of her love affair with contests.
She has since won over $5000 in cash, gift cards and merchandise.